Friday, November 11, 2011

Planning a road trip across India, it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you’re going by car, motorcycle, or rickshaw, you’re going to want to base your trip around something. India’s cuisine is famous throughout the world, so why not plan your journey around your stomach?

Many flights to India land in Mumbai, and coincidentally this is a great place to begin your foodie odyssey. Get the taste for Indian street food in the famous food markets, or Khau Gullies. One of the most popular, Jhaveri Bazaar, is also the goldsmith’s market. Watch as diamond traders bid for uncut stones while you eat your batata vada.

After Mumbai head to nearby Pune: the perfect destination for garlic lovers, as the aromatic bulb features heavily in most dishes. The food of Pune is delicate and based on lacto-vegetarian principles.

Next stop: Goa, famous for delicious seafood curries spiked with chilli. The food of Goa has a strong Portuguese influence, dating back to colonial days. While in Goa you’ll notice the difference between Hindu cuisine, which is known for being delicately spiced, and the Catholic cuisine (Vindaloo is the most famous example). This part of the country is breath taking; so take some time to relax on one of the white-sanded beaches.

Kochi, a little further south, is a famous banana-growing district. The fruit is used in many dishes, and most meals will be served to you on a banana leaf. Enjoy curries flavoured with coconut milk, and expect to drink coconut water: the perfect tangy accompaniment to any meal.

Bangalore is a haven for fans of South Indian Udupi cuisine. Udupi cuisine is unusual as it contains no onions, garlic, meat, fish, or shellfish. Grains, beans, and vegetables are used to fill dishes out.

Chennai, your next stop, is well known for hospitality. Dishes are served with rice, coconut chutney, sambar broth, and mulaga podi. Find out where the foodie hot-spots are by following local food blogs; a little research goes a long way whilst on the road!

Heading Northwards you’ll find yourself in Hyderabad, where the food has a tradition passed down from the Sultans. What better way to eat like royalty? All ingredients are carefully chosen, picked, and cooked to the highest standards. Biryani is perhaps the most famous dish from this region.

A foodie trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Kolkata. Bengali cuisine focuses on fish and lentils, with subtle fiery spices. The confectionary and desserts in this part of India are also famous.

Before finishing your trip in Jaipur, India’s “Pink City”, spend a few days in New Delhi getting reacquainted with the fabulous street food tradition. People from New Delhi love eating, and you’re bound to find something to tickle your taste-buds.

About the author: James writes for cheap flights comparison website Skyscanner.

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Welcome to BE ON THE ROAD Travel Blog! I am Sankara, its founder, a 30 something male from Bangalore who is living his dream of exploring the world and simultaneously trying to inspire others to live their dream.
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